Cutting tooth



N. R. GOLDEN Oct. 27, 1964 CUTTING TOOTH Filed Dec.

INVENTOR. [Vanna/71?. 60/0? BY 01 M ,1

United States Patent 3,153,867 CUTTING TGGTH Norman P. Golden, 3139 E. 26th Place, Tulsa, filrla. Filed Dec. 15, 1961, Ser. No. 159,650 3 Claims. (ill. 31-191) This invention relates to improvements in digging apparatus and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a cutting element for a digging chain, or the like.

There are many types of digging or trenching devices in use today wherein an endless digging chain having a plurality of cutting elements or teeth secured thereto is utilized for penetrating the earth or surface being removed or cut away. There are many problems encountered in digging operations, and particularly in the digging of trenches, or the like, in the surface of the ground. The terrain in some areas is extremely hard, and may be abundantly provided with rocks, stones, roots, or other debris which binder and interfere with the digging opera tion. Under these undesirable working conditions, it is found that the hard surfaces and other impediments encountered tend to break or otherwise damage the cutting elements, whereby they will not eiiiciently penetrate the surface of the area, and must be frequently removed and replaced. Furthermore, many of the cutting teeth in widespread use today tend to become clogged with the removed earth particles and also cast or throw the removed particles outwardly from the trenching apparatus in such a manner that the handling of the removed earth becomes an additional problem.

The present invention contemplates a novel cutting element for a digging chain particularly designed and constructed for quickly and easily penetrating substantially any hard surface, and readily cutting through roots, or other debris which may be encountered in the digging operation. The novel cutting element or cutting tooth comprises a plurality of cooperating elements wherein a leading cutting edge penetrates the surface substantially immediately upon contact therewith while a trailing cutting edge follows the first penetration operation for greatly facilitating the over-all cutting or digging operation. The cutting elements are provided with hardened cutting edges of a substantially wedge-shaped configuration for increasing the penetrating qualities thereof, and in addition, are provided with a leadin surface for facilitating scooping of the removed earth from the trench to reduce the problem of handling of the removed particles. Under conditions of actual usage, it has been found that the novel cutting elements quickly cut into an extremely hard surface rapidly and with ease, and the particular arrangement of the elements reduces damage thereto to provide a long useful life therefor. The novel cutting teeth may be readily installed on substantially any desired digging chain, or the like, and may be disposed thereon in a variety of arrangements in order to provide the most desirable cutting efiiciency for the conditions of the desired digging operation.

It is an important object of this invention to provide a novel cutting element for a dig ing chain, or the like.

It is another object of this invention to provide a novel cutting element for a digging chain which is particularly esigned and constructed for facilitating the digging operation in substantially hard and rocky formations.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel cutting element wherein a digging operation may be quickly and efficiently accomplished under adverse terrain conditions.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a cutting element or an endless digging chain which facilitates removal of the cut away particles to reduce the handling problem thereof.

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A further object of this invention is to provide a cutting element for a digging apparatus which is particularly constructed to prolong the efiicient and useful life thereof.

it is a further object of this invention to provide a cutting element for an endless digging chain which is simple and efjcient in operation and economical and durable in construction.

Other and further objects and advantageous features of the present invention will hereinafter more fully appear in connection with a detailed description of the drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a broken side elevational view of a digging chain provided with cutting elements embodying the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a sectional elevational view taken on line 22 of FlGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a cutting element embodying the invention as viewed from the under side thereof.

FEGURE 4 is a perspective View of the cutting element depicted in FIGURE 3 as viewed from the upper side thereof.

FIGURE 5 is a front elevational view of a cutting element embodying the invention as secured to still another type of digging chain.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and particularly FIGURES 1 through 4, reference character It generally indicates a digging apparatus having the usual drive sprocket member 12 for engaging an endless digging chm'n 14 to transmit movement and digging pressure thereto, as is well known. The digging chain 14 normally comprises a plurality of individual link members, such as 16 and it pivotally secured together in tandem relation by suitable pivot pins or roller members 2% whereby the chain 14 is flexible for movement in an arcuate path around the sprocket 12. The chain 14 depicted in FIGURES 1 and 2 is provided with alternately spaced link members 16 adapted for receiving a cutting element 22 and having the link members 18 interposed therebe'tween, but it is to be understood that each of the link members of the chain may be of an identical configuration, or the link members 15 may be interposed therein at any desired spacing.

As depicted in FIGURES 1 and 2, the chain 14 is preferably provided with alternately spaced links 16 each having a pair of oppositely disposed upstanding flange members 24- and as for supporting the cutting elements 22 in a manner as will be hereinafter set forth. The flanges 24 and as may be provided with a plurality of spaced aligned apertures 28 and 30, respectively, for receiving suitable studs or bolt members 32 therethrough in order to securely retain the cutting elements 22 on the links 16. Of course, each flange 24 and 26 may be provided with an elongated slot (not shown) in lieu of the apertures 28 and 3'9, if desired, or may be suitably keyed to the cutting elements 22. In addition, it is preferable that the upper edge 34 of each flange 24 and 26 be angularly disposed or tapered, as shown in FIGURE 5, complementary to the configuration of the cutting elements 22 to be hereinafter set forth in detail, but is not in any manner limited thereto.

The cuttin element 22 is preferably of a unitary construction comprising a pair of oppositely disposed leading teeth 36 and 38 and having a trailing tooth 4t) interposed therebetween. Each tooth 36 and 38 is of substantially an identical configuration and is provided with a tapered or angularly disposed upper surface 42 intersecting a substantially straight front surface 44 to provide a wedge-shaped configuration for the teeth 36 and 38 and to provide a cutting edge 46 therefor. Each tooth 35 and 38 is further provided with oppositely disposed lingitudinally extending inwardly directed shoulders or flanges 48 and sinn'lar outwardly directed flanges 5% for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. In addition, a plurality of spaced bores 52 extend transversely through the entire cutting elements 22 for receiving the bolts 32 therein in order .to secure the cutting elements on the chain 14.

The tooth 4% is of a complementary configuration to the teeth 35 and 38 and is provided with a rearwardly tapered or angularly disposed upper surface 54 converging with a substantially straight front surface 56 to provide a cutting edge 58 therefor. The tooth 40 is substantially shorter than the teeth 36 and 38 in both the longitudinal and vertical directions whereby the cutting edge 58 constantly trails or follows the cutting edges 46 of the leading teeth 36 and 38. In addition, the shorter vertical dimension of the tooth 40 provides a relief area 69 beneath the tooth 40 and between the teeth 36 and 38 for facilitating removal of the earth particles from the cutting surfaces of the cutting element 22, and thus, greatly reducing any clogging or binding thereof during the digging operation, material beingexcavated may clog on, or be disposed close to the chain rollers 20 during the digging operation, material being exacuated may clog or wedge between the tooth and the roller and exert great pressure on both the tooth and the chain, particularly when the clogged portion is passing over the sprocket 12. The relief area 60 provides suflicient clearance between the tooth 22 and the rollers 20 to preclude this undesirable clogging therebetween and thus reduces the pressure on both the tooth and the chain. In addition, earth materials often accumulate in the area confined or determined by the side plates 16 and adjacent pairs of rollers 20, and as the chain passes over the sprocket 12, the relief area 60 permits the teeth of the sprocket to remove the earth materials from between the rollers, and thus greatly facilitates the overall operation of the device.

A longitudinally extending slot 62 and 64 is provided on each side of the tooth 40 and interposed between the tooth 40 and the teeth 38 and 36, respectively, for receiving the flanges 26 and 24 therein for securing the cutting elements 22 to the link 16 of the chain 14. The slots 62 and 64 are preferably of a configuration complementary to the flanges 24 and 26 for facilitating installation of the cutting elements 22 thereon. The inwardly directed flanges or shoulders 48 of the teeth 36 and 38 span the upper edge of the slots 62 and 64, as clearly shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, for providing stability and rigidity for the cutting elements 22. The outwardly directed flanges or shoulders 54 of the teeth 36 and 38 are provided for spanning the distance between the teeth and any additional cutting elements which may be utilized in conjunction therewith in the event that a plurality of the cutting elements 22 are to be installed side-by-side on a multiple digging chain, or the like (not shown).

The cutting elements 22 are preferably of a metallic construction, and the cutting edges 46 and 58 are hardened in any suitable or well known manner, such as providing carbide or tungsten, inserts therein, or otherwise hardening the cutting or digging surfaces thereof by spraying a molten hardening substance thereon, as is well known. Of course, the elements 22 may be cast in one integral piece, and may be either of a solid construction, or may be hollow, as desired.

Operation The cutting elements 22 may be quickly and easily installed on the digging chain 14 by disposing the elements 22 on the chain in such a manner that the upwardly extending flanges 24 and 25 are disposed or inserted in the slots 64 and 52, respectively. The bolts 32 may then be inserted through the apertures 28, through the bores 52, and through the apertures 36 and secured therein by suitable lock nuts 33, or the like, for rigidly securing the elements 22 to' the desired links 16. Of course, the cutting elements 22 may be suitably keyed to the flanges 24 and 26, or otherwise secured thereto as desired, but the utilization of the studs or bolts 32 and locking nuts 33 provides a simple and efiicient means for aged element.

securing the elements 22 on the chain 14. As hereinbefore set forth, any number of the links 16 may be provided on the chain 14, and interposed thereon as desired. A cutting element 22 may thus be provided on substantially any number of the links of the chain and with substantially any desired spacing therebetween in accordance with the digging operation to be performed thereby.

The digging chain 14- having the cutting elements 22 secured thereon may then be actuated in the usual manner by the drive sprocket 12 in order to dig or cut away the desired formation. The cutting edges 46 of the leading teeth 36 and 38 initially bite into the formation and are followed by the trailing cutting edge 58. This staggers the cutting operation for each element 22 for greatly facilitating the utilization thereof whereby the teeth may more quickly and easily penetrate hard formations, or formations having roots, and the like embedded therein. The reduced size of the intermediate tooth 49 provides the area 6% for facilitating passage of the element 22 through the formation in such a manner that colgging of the teeth is greatly reduced or substantially eliminated.

The teeth 36, 38 and 4t) cooperate to provide a hammering, dragging, chiseling and cutting action for the elements 22. The front surfaces 44 and 56 of the element 22 facilitate the scooping out or removal of the loosened particles of earth previously cut by the cutting edges 46 and 58 and discharge the removed dirt or soil in such a manner that the handling thereof is greatly simplified. The cutting elements 22 quickly bite into substantially any surface to be cut away, and easily penetrate the formation to provide a rapid and efiicient digging operation for the digging chain 14.

In the event any of the cutting elements 22 become damaged or worn for any reason, it is a simple procedure to remove and replace the worn elements with a new cutting member by removal of the respective studs 32 and inserting another element 22 in lieu of the dam- Thus, the over-all life of the chain 14 is greatly increased since the teeth or cutting elements may be quickly and easily renewed.

Referring to FIGURE 5, a chain link 116 is depicted wherein a pair of upwardly extending spaced flanges 118 and 120 are journalled on a plurality of rollers 122 in any well known manner. In addition, each upwardly extending flange 113 and 12% is provided with an outwardly extending flange 124 and 126, respectively. In order to secure the cutting element 22 to the chain link 116, the fianges 118 and 120 may be inserted in the slots 62 and 64, as hereinbefore set forth, and the teeth 36 and 38 may be disposed on the flanges 22 i and 126. The bolts 32 may be inserted through the cutting elements 22 for securing the elements on the link 116, and suitable threaded bolts 123 may extend through the flanges 124 and 125 and into the teeth 36 and 58 for further securing the element 22 to the link 116. It will thus be apparent that the cutting elements 22, may be utilized with substantially any type of digging chain to provide an efiicient cutting or digging operation therefor.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the present invention provides a novel cutting element for an endless digging chain, or the like, which may be readily installed thereon. The novel cutting elements comprise a leading cutting edge and a trailing cutting edge which provide a combined hammering, dragging and chiseling action whereby substantially any formation may be quickly and efliciently severed during a digging or trenching operation. The novel cutting teeth are particularly designed and constructed for reducing the handling problem of the removed particles and to substantially eliminate clogging of the teeth during the cutting or digging operation. The cutting elements are simple and eflicient in operation and economical and durable in construction.

Whereas, the present invention has been described in particular relation to the drawings attached hereto, it

should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made Within the spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A cutting element for a digging chain and comprising a pair of spaced cutting teeth, a centrally disposed cutting tooth interposed between the first mentioned cutting teeth, slot means provided between the centrally disposed tooth and the first mentioned teeth for receiving a portion of the digging chain, said first mentioned teeth provided with leading cutting edge means for initiating a dig ing operation, said centrally disposed tooth provided with a trailing cutting edge for facilitating the digging operation, and said centrally disposed tooth being of a smaller dimension than the first mentioned teeth to substantially preclude clogging of the cutting element.

2. A cutting element for a digging chain and comprising a plurality of cutting teeth having staggered cutting edges for facilitating a digging operation, at least one of said teeth being of a smaller size than the adjacent teeth to define an open area for substantially precluding clogging of the cutting element during a cutting operation, and slot means provided between the teeth for receiving a portion of the digging chain whereby the cutting element may be removably secured to the digging chain.

3. In combination with a digging chain, a cutting element comprising a plurality of staggered portions providing spaced leading edges and a trailing edge interposed therebetween, each of said leading edges providing a leading cutting edge for initiating a digging operation, said trailing edge providing a trailing cutting edge disposed rearwardly of the leading cutting edges for cooperation therewith to facilitate the penetration during the cutting operation, and slot means interposed between the staggered portions whereby the cutting element may be removably secured to the digging chain.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,274,970 Tifiany Mar. 3, 1942 2,552,649 Protzeller May 15, 1951 2,636,291 Reagle Apr. 28, 1953 2,637,917 Klaucke May 12, 1953 2,702,951 Talboys Mar. 1, 1955 3,011,278 Lust Dec. 5, 1961 

3. IN COMBINATION WITH A DIGGING CHAIN, A CUTTING ELEMENT COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF STAGGERED PORTIONS PROVIDING SPACED LEADING EDGES AND A TRAILING EDGE INTERPOSED THEREBETWEEN, EACH OF SAID LEADING EDGES PROVIDING A LEADING CUTTING EDGE FOR INITIATING A DIGGING OPERATION, SAID TRAILING EDGE PROVIDING A TRAILING CUTTING EDGE DISPOSED REARWARDLY OF THE LEADING CUTTING EDGES FOR COOPERATION THEREWITH TO FACILITATE THE PENETRATION DURING THE CUTTING OPERATION, AND SLOT MEANS INTERPOSED BETWEEN THE STAGGERED PORTIONS WHEREBY THE CUTTING ELEMENT MAY BE REMOVABLY SECURED TO THE DIGGING CHAIN. 